How Do You Spell SLILY?

Pronunciation: [slˈa͡ɪli] (IPA)

The word "slily" is spelled with the letter combination "s-l-i-l-y" and pronounced as /ˈslaɪli/. It is an adverb that means to do something in a sneaky or cunning way. The "s-l" in the beginning is pronounced with a slight "s" sound, while the "i-l-y" at the end is pronounced as "eye-lee." The "i" in the middle of the word is pronounced as a long "i" sound, similar to the "i" in "lime." When spelling the word, it's important to remember to include both "l" letters for accuracy.

SLILY Meaning and Definition

1. Slily is an adverb that describes an action or behavior done in a cunning or deceitful manner, often accompanied by subtle or sneaky actions. It is derived from the adjective "sly," which refers to someone who is crafty, wily, or devious, typically in a secretive or tricky manner.

   When someone acts slily, they are engaging in actions with the intention of deceiving others or achieving their own objectives while avoiding detection or suspicion. It implies a sense of cleverness or intelligence used to maneuver situations to their advantage without being noticed.

   In practice, acting slily can involve subtle movements, covert glances, or making misleading statements to manipulate others' opinions or actions. It often involves a certain level of secrecy or evasiveness in one's behavior, creating an air of mystique or unpredictability.

   The term "slily" can apply to various contexts, from personal interactions to business dealings or even strategic decision-making. It suggests a certain level of subterfuge, where individuals employ their intelligence and wit to manipulate situations in their favor without drawing attention to their true intentions.

   While some may perceive slily actions as cunning or deceitful, others may see them as strategic or shrewd. The exact interpretation will depend on the context and the moral compass of the observer. Nonetheless, acting slily entails a subtle and skillful approach to achieving one's goals, often through unconventional or less direct means.

2. See sly.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SLILY

• wlily
• sluily

Etymology of SLILY

The word "slily" is derived from the adjective "sly". "Sly" originated from the Old Norse word "slœgr" which meant "cunning" or "sly". It was then adapted into Middle English and became "slye" with a similar meaning. Over time, the spelling changed to "sly" and the word started to be used to describe someone who is deceptive, crafty, or cunning. The adverb form, "slily", is simply formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective "sly", indicating manner or behavior.